Child Pose Side Stretch

Instructions

The child's pose with a side stretch is a relaxing yoga stretch that targets the muscles of the back, shoulders, and sides of the body. Begin in a kneeling position on the floor with your knees hip-width apart and your big toes touching behind you. Sit back on your heels and lengthen your spine, keeping your shoulders relaxed away from your ears. Inhale deeply and as you exhale, lower your torso forward towards the floor. Extend your arms straight out in front of you, placing your palms on the floor or mat. Rest your forehead on the ground, or if that's not comfortable, you can place a yoga block or folded towel underneath your forehead for support. Relax your entire body into the pose, allowing your hips to sink towards your heels. From the child's pose position, walk your hands over to the right side, extending your arms as far as comfortable. Keep your left hip pressing towards your left heel to maintain the stretch along the left side of your body. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, breathing deeply and focusing on lengthening through the left side of your torso. After holding the stretch on the right side, walk your hands back to the center and then over to the left side. Extend your arms as far as comfortable, feeling the stretch along the right side of your body. Keep your right hip pressing towards your right heel. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds while breathing deeply and maintaining relaxation. After completing the side stretches on both sides, walk your hands back to the center and come back to the neutral child's pose position. Take a few deep breaths here, relaxing into the pose and allowing your body to release tension. You can repeat the child's pose with side stretches sequence as needed to further stretch and release tension along the sides of your body. If you have tight hips or knees, you can place a folded blanket or cushion between your thighs and calves for support. Adjust the width of your knees as needed to find a comfortable position for your body. Focus on deep, slow breaths throughout the pose, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.